Dachau

Mia has studied about the Holocaust and I thought since we were in the area, we should visit the Dauchau Concentration Camp Memorial. Mia had lots of questions, but I was really surprised at how much she already knew. Truly a sobering place.

 

Germany

After almost 10 months of being in Europe, and 4 years of being away, we finally made our way North to Germany. We had such a great visit. Relishing the food, the language that we understand (opposed to Italian, that is so difficult for us), and visiting with friends! It was very busy meeting up with friends, getting things done for our apartment, and trying to see all of our favorite sites and stock up on all of our favorite treats. We miss Germany a lot, but it was so nice to go back and enjoy it for a short time!

The beautiful lush fields and Mountains greeted us on our way through the Alps.

We loved these "comic book-like" road signs (this one warning you not to use your cell phone). These are new since we left.

Ah yes! Summer Vacation is also known as "Stau Season" (Traffic Jams - oh how fun - yikes!)

This was taken from our Hotel Window in Innsbruck, Austria - so pretty!!

A little closer look...

The drive North takes you through the Brenner Pass, which is a cut-way through the Alps. It is amazing with castles, vineyards, mountains, hills - it is breathtaking (I tried to snap a shot of a castle in the background, but it didn't turn out so well) 

And just this picture epitomizes living in Europe. This is a candle in McDonalds rest stop off the Autobahn (Highway). Need I say more?

Enjoying the ride!

Beautiful Innsbruck!

Snapped this one in a Stau (Traffic Jam)

 

Miscellaneous pics

Our little friend who walks Mia each day :-) (not Kiwi)

Beautiful Lake Garda

We have LOVED watching "our" baby birds grow up and fly from their nest. There were 3 babies and it so reminded me of my 3 (I have an entirely new appreciation for bird parents - ha ha). Both the babies and the parents survived after many weeks of our watching their daily struggles. Truly amazing!! They have now made their footprint out into the world and will start their lives (oh how I can relate to the joys and hardships of that!!!)

Watching our 3rd Olympics from Europe... 

Beautiful morning sky!

So pretty!

Gorgeous!

Can you tell that she is loved??

2 happy puppies!

I laughed at this one when we walked by. I guess when you have a nice car - you can just park it wherever you want (this was just parked in the middle of the street - which is usually unheard of.

 

Bassano del Grappa and Verona

Our 2 favorite towns in our area are Verona and Bassano del Grappa (Venice is cool, but we would much prefer these 2!). Whenever we are looking for a fun day out - these never disappoint. We always are discovering new things about the towns and they both have so much culture and quaintness. 

Our amazing 6 euro ($7) spinach and ricotta pizza

This little automated lawn mower always makes me smile. I have never seen one in the US yet (I am sure they have them though!?), but it is like the automated vacuum cleaner. It just goes around cutting :-)

Fruit Cups in Verona -our favorite!!

Bryan's go to "Diavolo"

The Arena in Verona

The River in Verona

It is amazing!

Bazzano del Grappa 

The "pre-alps" in the background

Verona!

I love the old bikes everywhere!

 

Sea Life at Gardaland

We had a really fun time visiting Sea Life at Gardaland. I joked Bryan that it gave him his Beach life "fix". Basically it is like going out on the paddleboard in Destin - with the exception of the Sea Lions and "Nemo" fish of course. It was a super fun day!